Rumble Strike

Tarn listens to the words of his friends, nodding in reflection. "Thank you for your wise words, my friends. They are gratefully received by these ears, and give me more to consider once we depart these shores. If I may ask, Mr Thothwick, what path are you considering with the Copper Fox?"

Tarn looked at the others. "I know the loss of U'Stus has been a real setback, but I am sure we will prevail in the end. We have kept most of our charges safe so far, and it has not been easy. My body still aches from our defeat, and my soul is weary, but we are strong, and we will keep fighting." I have a question of a more personal nature, if I may. Atramor, Nyx, I believe you have seen the Copper Fox and have learned new skills to help you as a hero. I feel I am ready for that too. What would you suggest for me? I am undecided. My wise mentor Rystael is a Cleric, who taught me a great deal about honour and courage, and made me the person I am today. I would learn the skills as a Shaman to honour him, and the name of Valco, which was bestowed upon me once I came of age. But he also taught me how to wield words, and not just weapons. Atramor, you yourself told me in the Hall that I was more like a Knight than a Barbarian. This is why I am also considering the skills of a Bezerker. We have been through many battles, all of us together. I would ask your thoughts on my dilemma." I'm not ttrying to make it all about me, but would love some 'in character' advice from people who Tarn respects and admires.

Tarn smiled at the prophet despite his wounds. "It heartens me greatly to see you again, Ella. And nice of your father to drop by. How is Mallelio?"

Don't beat yourself up, Zepher. We all have puzzles that don't quite come off, like my Seasonal Order one where I had people playing on different continents to me which messed the order up! Even if we'd picked mostly positive effects, that fight would have been really tough anyway. In terms of storyline, a defeat there works dramatically, moving along the plot whilst allowing more characterisation.

I guess instead of "too" I should have put "very", as it wasn't very successful. In the UK it seemed to disappear very quickly for a "summer blockbuster". I just checked IMDB and it didn't make back its budget in US domestic gross. I wouldn't class that as a success, especially for Pixar.

I also think tying in to a film that wasn't too successful either critically or commercially could have had an impact on sales. Like ChrisW said, the first film and its ensuing merchandise juggernaut may have been the right time to do the license.

"I agree, I do not like feeling so powerless, when foul play is so clearly at work. Please, Victor, once they get back, make sure everyone stays together."

"What of Sir Poletad and Hans? And if Mallelio is here, is Ella here too?"

Tarn's eyes opened wider as he heard Thothwick say that the Bombsters had been expecting Constance and got the party instead. "That's correct, they knew of the sword being taken to be sharpened, knew where to hit us. There is definitely more at work here than we first realised."

I was surprised just how much I liked the little cars, Lego has managed to capture a lot of personality and they are very cool things to have on your desk, very swooshable. If you are in it for the characters, definitely get Flo's Cafe. 6 Cars, 4 of them exclusive, and an iconic location from the first movie to boot. As for MOCs, I made some creatures with the 'eye' pieces, like a bumble bee using Luigi's eyes. So the parts can be used in non-Cars MOCs. I agree with Cornelius that, like the Toy Story sets, they are very much targeted at children rather than adults, and I don't think they sold all that well because they didn't have the crossover appeal of some of the other licences. For me, they are bright and colourful and I would like to pick up more sets in sales.

"There were too many, and the Gods conspired against us as the team dropped like flies. I tried my hardest but could not stop so many. I am sorry about U'Stus. I have failed everyone." Tarn spoke in a low, halting voice, clutching his stomach.

I especially like the verse. Very foreboding!

Wow, those dice don't want us to even have a chance! Tarn watched in horror as William fell. He clapped Felton on the shoulder. "If we go down, we at least go down fighting!" he shouted at the behatted hunter. "I just wish we could have saved U'Stus." Knowing all is lost, he deliberately places himself first in the order. Battle order Tarn Felton Tarn launches one final assault at Party Guest B and Felton takes on Party Guest A. Both attack from the front row.

Also, is that "True love's Kiss" from Enchanted?

Tarn had a hangover that Boomingham would be proud of, the effects of the drink slowly fading as he surveyed the scene. They were in trouble. He had faced many different enemies since joining Heroica, and prevailed in many hard-fought battles, but this, with half of the team knocked out, this was not going to end well. He steeled himself, nodded to the Ranger and the Wren-hunter and charged forward. Battle order Felton Tarn William William William will use his repeating crossbow on Party Guest A and then Party Guest B from the back row. Tarn will attack Party Guest C from the front row. Felton will attack Party Guest D from the front row.

Lovely stuff Flipz, informative and entertaining in equal measure.

Battle order William William Felton William will use his repeating crossbow on Party Guest A and then Party Guest B from the back row. Felton will attack Party Guest D from the front row.

That's good, cos I can't see us winning this one.

I've only had between 4 and 6 actual battles take place in my Quests. Of course, neither one ended with a big boss battle as they were optional. Optional battles are good because they can make for good role playing. Also, Zepher, if the party are KOed do we fail the Quest?

"I think we are going to need a great deal of luck on this, but am happy to go with what has been selected. Good luck everyone!"

Whilst waiting for the others to choose their drinks, Tarn slots his Grand Potion into his hollow-bladed weapon.

This isn't quite the same thing but I was going to ask JimB if I could use Atticus as the Maginastra in Quest#32, as I really liked that character. In the end I thought he might have plans for his own character later on. I still don't think he was totally defeated.

"I would add my words to those of Atramor and Mr Thothwick, both good people, both with valid points, but I fear they have landed on deaf ears. 'Those who shall not listen do not deserve kind words', as my wise mentor would say. But I am not him, and I will speak up against such folly. You are following a path that will only lead into darkness for you and especially your people. Murdering people for political reasons is no way to found a new life for your kin. All races are capable of bad things - like the human slavers who destroyed my village and took my sister - but you cannot let hatred spur you into false action. If you did not have U'Stus as a hostage I would kill you where you stand to protect your people. You are being played for a fool by Wren and you do not even realise it. I do not wish to play her game, but to save kind and noble U'Stus, I will have to." Tarn indicates he will take drink 3, as long as the rest of the party are happy for him to take it.

Tarn accepted the gold pieces with a grim smile. "Let us hope that our steel flower has not wilted." OOC: Level 15 yay!

I created the 4 Guardians for Quest#32, then realised very quickly that there would be no real ballte strategy needed if the party just fought one enemy all the time, so added in smaller enemies to spice it up a bit. I think that worked quite well; you get a main enemy to fight, but also as many underlings as needed to maintain a challenge.